Nail Structure, Disorders, and Diseases - Terms & Definitions

A complete set of vocabulary flashcards covering nail anatomy, conditions, diseases, and terminology from Chapter 4: Nail Structure, Disorders, and Diseases.

Beau's lines

Depressions running across the width of the nail plate, often after illness or injury slows matrix growth.

Bed epithelium

The thin tissue layer attaching the nail plate to the nail bed.

Blue nails

A bluish nail bed associated in the study guide with poor circulation.

Bruised nail

A dark purplish spot beneath the plate caused by bleeding after nail-bed injury.

Bunion

A bony prominence at the base of the big toe.

Cuticle

Nonliving tissue attached to the nail plate that helps seal the space between the plate and PNF.

Discolored nails

Nails that have changed color; surface staining can come from polish, foods, dyes, or smoking.

Eggshell nails

Noticeably thin, often white nail plates that are more flexible than normal.

Eponychium

Living tissue beneath the PNF covering the matrix area.

Free edge

The part of the nail plate that extends beyond the fingertip or toe.

Hangnail

Living skin around the nail that splits or tears.

Hyponychium

Slightly thickened skin between the fingertip and free edge that helps protect against microorganisms.

Keratin

The hard, fibrous protein that forms the nail plate.

Koilonychia

Concave, spoon-shaped nails associated in the class materials with iron deficiency.

Leukonychia

White spots in the nail plate, commonly caused by minor matrix injury.

Lunula

The pale, half-moon-shaped visible portion of the matrix.

Matrix

The growth area beneath the root where new nail plate cells are formed.

Melanonychia

Darkening of the nail from increased pigment, sometimes appearing as a lengthwise dark band.

Nail bed

Living skin that supports the nail plate as it grows toward the free edge.

Nail disorder

A nail condition caused by injury, heredity, or previous disease.

Nail folds

Folds of skin surrounding the nail plate.

Nail grooves

The tracks along the sides of the nail where the plate moves as it grows.

Nail ligaments

Tough fibrous bands connecting the nail bed and matrix to underlying bone.

Nail melapoma

A rare, serious skin cancer that may begin in the nail matrix.

Nail plate / body

The hardened keratin plate resting on the nail bed.

Nail psoriasis

A condition that can cause tiny pits or severe roughness on the nail surface.

Nail root

The beginning portion of the nail plate hidden beneath the skin at its base.

Onychia

Inflammation of the nail matrix.

Onychocryptosis

An ingrown nail in which the nail edge grows into surrounding living tissue.

Onychology

The study of nail structure and growth.

Onycholysis

Lifting or separation of the nail plate from the bed without complete shedding.

Onychomadesis

Separation and shedding of the nail plate from the nail bed.

Onychomycosis

A fungal infection of the natural nail plate.

Onychophagy

The habit of biting or chewing the nails.

Onychorrhexis

Split or brittle nails, often with a rough surface.

Onychosis

A general term for a nail disease or deformity.

Onyx

The technical term for the natural nail.

Paronychia

Inflammation of the tissues around the nail plate, often associated with infection.

Perionychium

The tissues surrounding and supporting the nail unit.

Plicatured nail

A folded, highly curved nail plate that may develop into an ingrown nail.

Proximal nail fold (PNF)

The skin flap covering and protecting the matrix at the nail base.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa

A bacterium that can cause green nail discoloration and spread through contaminated implements.

Pterygium

Abnormal stretching or adherence of skin onto the nail plate, as described in the study guide.

Pyogenic granuloma

A red tissue growth that may rise from the nail bed and bleed easily.

Ridged nail

A nail with lengthwise grooves, often associated with uneven growth during aging.

Scope of practice

The laws and guidelines defining what a nail professional may do within the license.

Sidewall (lateral fold)

The fold of skin overlapping each side of the nail plate.

Splinter hemorrhages

Thin lengthwise blood streaks beneath the nail caused by damaged nail-bed capillaries, often after trauma.

Tinea pedis

Athlete's foot: a fungal infection of foot skin that can cause scaling or itchy blisters.

Trumpet / pincer nail

A nail whose edges curl inward and may pinch the sidewalls.